Means for packing the working parts of rotary engines.



' KARL, PRINZ ZU LOWENSTEIN. MEANS FOR PACKING THE WORKING PARTS OF ROTARY ENGINES. APPLICATION FILED AUG. 25 1913.

Patented Mar. 30, 1915.

A) MW y M UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

KARL, PRINZ zU LtjWENSTEIN, 0F KLEIN G-EMIIND, NEAR NECKARGEMITND, GERMANY.

MEANS FOR PACKING THE WORKING PARTS OF ROTARY ENGINES.

Application filed August 25, 1913.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, KARL, PRINZ ZU Low- ENSTEIN, a subject of the German Emperor, and resident of Kleingemiind, near Neckargemiind, Germany, have invented new and useful Means for Packing the Working Parts of Rotary Engines, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to a new means for avoiding leakages in rotary engines. It is known that such leakages in the working parts are reduced when there is a fine film of water between such parts. Such water packing can, however, not be employed with rotary engines, as liquids would be evaporated by the high temperature existing in such rotary engines.

According to the present invention easily fused metals or metal alloys or also molten salts or liquids of a very high boiling point are used, which are forced by the centrifugal force against the parts to be packed. These substances cannot be evaporated, and will not only act as a packing medium but also as a good lubricant.

In the accompanying drawing is shown, in cross section, a rotary engine constructed after the most simple system, in the rotor of which 0 the molten metal, forming a ring R presses against the said rotor C. This metal also enters into the sliding plunger which is composed of two flat bars A and B, and not only presses against the stationary cylinder D but also against the sides of the engine. It is impossible to find a packing medium which will produce a closer joint, will adapt itself more perfectly to the configuration of the respective parts.

The rails A and B which move independently of each other and bear by action of the centrifugal force against D, are kept at the proper distance from each other by means of the studs 6, shown in the drawing secured to one of said rails.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 30, 1915.

SeriaI No. 786,519.

For the purpose of insuring that with very high pressures and a relatively slow speed an absolute overpressure may be maintamed from the packed side against the pressure of the steam or gas, steam may be allowed to enter into the ring R between the shaft of the engine and the packing fluid, or this ring may be put in open communication with the charge in the cylinder. Thereby an equilibrium is obtained between the pressures from inside out and from outside in, and a surplus for the packing fluid, which the latter receives by the centrifugal force.

The fluid employed as a packing medium will also serve as a lubricant for the working parts. Liquid metal is particularly suited for the purpose, also molten salts, provided either of these is available in sufficient quantity. The metal or salts carried off by the exhaust may be again returned into the interior of the engine in any convenient way.

I claim:

Means for packing the working parts of rotary engines comprising a liquid of high boiling point contained in the motor and adapted to be thrown outward by centrifugal force, and a hollow blade, provided with a radial liquid chamber therein, slidably mounted in said motor, and adapted to permit the influx thereto of the liquid from said motor with means for applying steam pressure into the center of said motor, substantially as described.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as my invention, I have signed my name in presence of two witnesses, this twelfth day of August 1913.

KARL, PRINZ zU LllWENSTEIN.

Witnesses:

WOLDEMAR HAUPT, HADHWIG O. VERDAULE.

Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G. 

